Report a Concern
How to Report a Drainage or Surface Water Pollution Concern
- Call 311 during the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday - Friday. Closed weekends and City-recognized holidays. If you are calling from outside Mecklenburg County or if your cellular carrier will not connect you to 311, dial 704-336-7600. CharMeck 311 directs reported drainage and surface water pollution concerns to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services staff. Call 911 in the case of an immediate emergency.
- Download the free CLT+ app available on both the Apple App and Google Play. App users with their primary language set to Spanish, will begin experiencing CLT+ Español automatically.
Types of Concerns to Report
Flooding of Streets and Structures
If you feel you are in imminent danger, call 911. Under non-emergency conditions, report flooding of a street, house, commercial building, driveway, furnace, air conditioner, or the interior of an accessory structure such as an attached garage to CharMeck 311. Flooding does not always mean problems with the storm drainage system. Drainage systems, including storm drains, pipes, ditches, and creeks are designed to hold a specific amount of stormwater.
Blockage of Storm Drain or Stream
Storm drains, storm drainage pipes, ditches and streams can become blocked by sediment or debris. Report significant blockages and/or a blockage that could pose a threat to a house, commercial building, driveway, public sidewalk or street.
Erosion or Sinkholes Near Storm Drainage Infrastructure
Visible holes, active soil settlement, and sinkholes near storm drainage infrastructure are typical indicators that a pipe may be broken or some other problem exists. Report these concerns, especially those requiring attention to ensure safety on a publicly maintained street.
Pollution in Storm Drains, Streams or Lakes
Storm drains move rainwater directly to local streams and lakes. Only rain should go down the storm drain! Report it if you suspect or see someone dumping pollutants into a storm drain, see a large amount of soil entering a storm drain and/or if you notice a waterbody (stream, pond, lake) is muddy, foamy, milky in appearance or has an unusual odor. Sometimes natural sources of pollen, organic material, and iron bacteria can look like pollution. See Natural Creek Conditions(PDF, 543KB) for more information. If you are ever in doubt, report it!
Streambank Erosion
There are more than 3,000 miles of streams in Mecklenburg County that are part of the storm drainage system. All streams naturally erode over time. Report severe streambank erosion that could pose a threat to a house, commercial building, driveway, public sidewalk or street.
Construction Site Erosion and Sedimentation Control
When land is developed, proper control measures are required to retain sediment on site and prevent soil erosion. Report significant offsite sediment from a construction site or a site without perimeter measures like sediment fencing.
Find storm drainage improvement information for Unincorporated Mecklenburg County and the Towns of Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Pineville, Mint Hill, and Matthews.